In an interview, rapper Kanye West praises Hitler and the Nazis, and on Twitter he posts a Star of David intertwined with a swastika. Twitter boss Elon Musk draws consequences.
The online service Twitter has suspended rapper Kanye West's account after the musician posted a picture of a Star of David intertwined with a swastika. West's account was blocked for "inciting violence," said Twitter boss Elon Musk. "I've tried my best. However, he has again violated our policy against incitement to violence. The account will be suspended," Musk wrote. West had previously caused outrage with admiring statements about Hitler and the Nazis.
"I like Hitler" and "I love Nazis," said the musician and fashion entrepreneur in an interview with the well-known far-right conspiracy ideologist Alex Jones. He sees "good things with Hitler, too." "This guy (...) invented highways and the microphone that I used as a musician," said the rapper, who changed his name to Ye and wore a black mask that covered his entire face for the interview. "You can't say out loud that this person has ever done anything good, and I don't take it anymore."
Because of West's anti-Semitic statements, several companies have already ended their collaboration with the 45-year-old. They include the German sporting goods manufacturer Adidas, the fashion chain Gap and the luxury brand Balenciaga. Even right-wing online network Parler announced after the interview that its planned sale to West had been cancelled.
West, who has been married to reality TV star Kim Kardashian for years, recently caused a stir when he had dinner with the well-known anti-Semite and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes at ex-President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida .
Former Vice President Mike Pence said what Trump did was "wrong". "I think he should apologize." Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said there was "no place for anti-Semitism and racism" in the party. Anyone who meets with anti-Semites and racists is "highly unlikely to ever be elected President of the United States." Trump announced in mid-November that he wanted to run again in the 2024 presidential election. Kanye West also says he wants to run for office.
